Building a strong Foundation

Morris Hospital honors Friant, Matteson for years of board service

Daniel Friant of Minooka and Diane Matteson of Morris were recently honored for their service to the Morris Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers recently honored Daniel Friant and Diane Matteson for their many years of loyalty and dedication to the Morris Hospital Foundation board of directors.

The two recently completed terms in their volunteer board positions and were recognized before their fellow board members at the annual joint meeting of the Morris Hospital Auxiliary, Foundation and Hospital boards.

Friant, of Minooka, served on the Morris Hospital Foundation Board since the Foundation’s inception in 1994. He was board president from 2007 to 2012. Under Friant’s leadership, the Morris Hospital Foundation’s annual contributions grew from just thousands of dollars to $818,000 in gifts and pledges in 2012.

“Dan successfully built a strong, diverse board and oversaw the evolution and creation of many policies and programs within the Foundation,” said Ginny Kelly, vice president of development at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers.

“He was a very diplomatic leader, and we are deeply grateful for his devotion of so many years. While he has stepped down from having a formal role on the board, we intend to keep him involved and tap into his talents.”

Long-time Morris Hospital nurse and manager Diane Matteson, of Morris, devoted the past 14 years to the Morris Hospital Foundation Board, on top of her clinical responsibilities and other duties. Because of her connection with employees, she was able to help link the Foundation Board with Morris Hospital employees and physicians.

Matteson played a lead role in the Foundation’s annual employee appeal and community grant and scholarship programs, and she served as the Foundation’s link to the employee and volunteer relief program, which is funded through gifts to the Morris Hospital Foundation.

“Diane has filled a special role for so many years by serving as our internal consultant for fundraising,” said Kelly. “It was very unique having someone from the inside serving in a Board-member capacity. Her knowledge and deep devotion to Morris Hospital has really made her an invaluable Board member.

“She always provided timely advice, and her hands-on involvement contributed to the success of many of the Foundation’s programs and projects. There’s no replacement for someone like Diane.”

Friant and Matteson each received a plaque in appreciation of their many years of service.

The Morris Hospital Foundation, which is governed by a 19-member, volunteer board of directors, was established in 1994 to enhance the work of Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers.

The Foundation, through its fundraising efforts, provides donors the opportunity to make outright, as well as legacy gifts impacting both the community’s immediate and future healthcare needs.